Lacrosse

Starner to Receive IWLCA Community Awareness Award

Jun 09, 2008

YORK, PA - Good news continues to roll in for the York College
women’s lacrosse team as Nicole Starner (Aspers,
Pa./Biglerville) has been chosen to receive this
year’s Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches
Association Division III Community Awareness Award. The senior will
be honored at the IWLCA All-American banquet on June 14th in King
of Prussia, PA.

Starner, who is the president of York College’s Student
Athlete Advisory Committee, is being recognized for her phenomenal
work to help York’s student-athletes become more connected
and involved with the surrounding community. Included in her
various projects were heading up “Christmas with the
Community,” where Spartan varsity athletic teams adopt
families from the city of York and purchase Christmas presents for
the families, as well as Pennies for the Poor, where teams combined
to raise over $2,000 for the Crispus Attucks Association.

“I am so proud of Nicole,” said assistant athletic
trainer and SAAC advisor Allison Kunkel. “She has done a
great job for the student-athletes and the York community. We were
definitely very lucky to have her.”

In addition to her outstanding work with SAAC, Starner recently
completed her NCAA eligibility as a two-sport standout, splitting
her athletic prowess between lacrosse and field hockey. Starner is
also a co-leader for an athlete Bible study on campus while
majoring in secondary education with a concentration in social
studies and a minor in psychology.

“A leader. Nicole is simply a leader,” women’s
lacrosse head coach Jen Dragoni said. “She leads by example
and has done incredible work here at York.”

The entire athletic department has felt the impact of
Starner’s efforts throughout her time as a Spartan.

“Nicole is the definition of a student-athlete,”
Assistant Dean of Athletics and Recreation Sean Sullivan said.
“She works hard in the classroom and on the field yet still
finds time to help others. It is very exciting to see her receive
such a great honor.”